"Strewing"
It appears that "strewing" is one of those things I did without even realizing there was a name for it. However, while sidetracked reading some unschooling blogs and websites I realized that it is, indeed, an offical homeschooling term.
While it's likely that we all take advantage of strewing to some degree or another, it never helps to give some thought on how to be a bit more intentional and creative while doing so.
So what is strewing? Basically, it's leaving educational items lying about in places where they're likely to get perused without it actually being considered "school". Your children end up reading, examining or playing with an item just because it's there. You then rotate different items in and out.
We tend to think about books, which are great, but we can go further. What if you put out a bowl of leaves or rocks next to a field guide? Who could pass up at least trying to identify a few? Do you have interesting, child-friendly reading material near the potty? What's available during quiet time? In the car? What's on the walls? What videos do you have lying on the coffee table? I know my kids will ignore books on our bookshelf, but can't help pick one up if I lay it on the table before breakfast.
It's surprising how much children can learn on their own if the information is readily available. I generally skip science curriculum in the early years because, when looking at a Scope & Sequence, I see they already know all the suggested learning. How? Generally, simply because we've watched videos, read books and observed nature in the normal course of life. Our friend Jaminacema refers to it as a "child-friendly" learning environment in her blog post HERE. You'll also find some good articles on strewing HERE and HERE.
Have feedback? We'd love to hear creative ways that you "strew" to be able to share them in our next issue. |
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Fun Links
Take free online drawing lessons from Jan Brett HERE. Not to mention the many free coloring pages, crafts cards and more she offers HERE.
Trying to get your children interested in current events? News Flash Five might do the trick. This animated broadcast, updated every Wednesday, is produced by PBS. While this is a fun site geared toward kids, I would suggest viewing with your child in order to discuss your views of the stories presented.
The FFBI is a fun site sponsored by National Geographic. Standing for Fun, Fur and Feather Bureau of Investigation your student is sure to have a good tiem exploring here. |
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What's New?!
The authors of our very popular Preschool Activities In A Bag have now come up with even more fun, creative learning bags! This second volume is chock full of fun, new Activity Bags with no duplicates of the first volume. Along with complete instructions, swap directions and supplies lists, you'll find instructions and masters for creating the below list of fun activities to keep your little ones educationally entertained. Click HERE to see full activity listing. Available in E-Book format to allow you to quickly and easily print out only the projects you need.
Also, be sure and take advantage of our code NLFLIP that will give you $6.00 off our Times Tales Deluxe with Mini Flipchart! (Good through 1/31) If you have a friend who's been waitiing to order now is the time! |
